UC/FGCU RECAP

Fort Myers, FL- FGCU (2-2) and UC (2-2) split the four game series this weekend from Swanson Stadium.

Game 1: UC 9 FGCU 6

W-Tristan Weaver (1-0)

L-Jason Woodward (0-1)

Outstanding Players (UC):

Joe Powell 2/4, R, 3 RBI’s

Griffin Merrit 3/4, 2 R, 2 RBI’s

Ryan Nicholson 2/5, R, RBI

Outstanding Players (FGCU):

Ian Farrow 2/5, HR, GS, 2 R, 5 RBI’s

Brian Ellis 1/3, 2 R, RBI

Alejandro Figueredo 1/4

Game 2: UC 15 FGCU 14 F/11

W-Jackson Murphy (1-0)

L-Mason Miller (0-1)

S-Zach Segal (1)

Outstanding Players (UC):

Paul Komistek 5/6, 4 R, 3 RBI’s

Ryan Nicholson 3/6, 2 R, 2 RBI’s

Griffin Merrit 2/5, 2 R, 2 RBI’s

Outstanding Players (FGCU):

Harrison Povey 3/6, R, 3 RBI’s

Stephen Wilmer 2/5, R, 2 RBI’s

Ian Farrow 1/6, 2 R, 2 RBI’s

Game 3: FGCU 10 UC 5 F/7

W-Darien Smith (1-0)

L-Alex Shea (0-1)

Outstanding Players (UC):

Wyatt Stapp 2/3, RBI

Ryan Nicholson 1/3, R, RBI

Griffin Merrit 1/3, R, RBI

Outstanding Players (FGCU):

Bobby Head 1/3, R, 3 RBI’s

Alejandro Rodriguez 2/3, R, 2 RBI’s

Alejandro Figueredo 3/4, R, 2 RBI’s

Game 4: FGCU 16 UC 8

W-Najer Victor (1-0)

L- Aiden Bradbury (0-1)

Outstanding Players (UC):

Paul Komistek 3/5, R, 2 RBI’s

Ryan Nicholson 2/4, 3 R, RBI

Griffin Merrit 1/4, R, RBI

Outstanding Players (FGCU):

Alejandro Rodriguez 4/6, 2 R, 3 RBI’s

Alejandro Figueredo 2/3, R, 3 RBI’s

Joe Kinker 2/4, 3 R, 2 RBI’s

Overview:

The first series of the season is out of the way for FGCU, and there’s plenty to unpack, just four games into the season. FGCU drove in 42 RBI’s in four games which is a great sign, as we expect this offense to be potent throughout both the non-conference. and ASUN Conference portion of the season. Defensively, 16 errors through four games is something the Eagles defense will have to improve on.

In game one of the series, Tristan Weaver was outstanding for the Bearcats, going 5 innings, and allowing an ER, 2 hits, while striking out 4, and walking 3 Eagles. UC broke this game open in the top of the 5th, increasing their lead to 7 runs (7-0), before Ian Farrow hit a grand slam to bring FGCU back within 4 runs (9-5). Farrow also added a solo home run in the bottom of the 9th, but that wasn’t enough as FGCU fell 9-6 in game one.

In game two of the series, the Eagles surged ahead to a 6-0 lead in the bottom of the 2nd, and when you thought they were on cruise control, the Bearcats responded. UC put up 6 runs in the top of the 5th, 1 run in the top of the 6th, and 3 more runs in the top of the 7th. With the Bearcats ahead 14-9 in the bottom of the 9th, the Eagles bats woke up. Stephen Wilmer had the game tying hit with 2 outs in the inning driving in Jalen Townsend and Joe Kinker. Ian Farrow also drove in a run in the inning as part of the rally. UC eventually won in the top of the 11th but the Eagles showed true grit to fight back in the 9th.

In game three of the series, FGCU doubled up the Bearcats, courtesy of a 6 run bottom of the 1st, where the Eagles jumped on Alex Shea. Shea allowed 7 R (2 ER) in 3.2 IP. Darien Smith was brilliant in relief of Tyler Shuck, pitching 4 innings, allowing two hits and 1 unearned run. Alejandro Figueredo and Alejandro Rodriguez combined to drive in 4 RBI’s in the Eagles first win of the young season.

In the final game of the series, FGCU once again hit early and often in the bottom of the 1st, scoring 5 runs off of Aiden Bradbury, who only lasted 0.1 innings in Sunday morning’s game. FGCU poured on five more runs in the bottom of the 3rd, to take a 10-0 lead on UC. Alejandro Figueredo and Alejandro Rodriguez once again carried the offense combining to drive in 6 RBI’s, and Joe Kinker and Ian Farrow, each had 2 RBI’s in the game. Najer Victor was dominant, pitching 5.2 IP allowing 2 hits, 2 runs (1 ER), while striking out 10 Bearcats, and walking no batters. Starting pitching like Victors’s performance will be key in this young season for the Eagles.

What’s Next:

FGCU (2-2) remains at home to face the University of Minnesota (1-2), Wednesday night at 6:30 PM, from Swanson Stadium.